Chifley
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Chifley reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of August 2025, Chifley's population is approximately 2,702, reflecting a growth of 22 people since the 2021 Census figure of 2,680. This increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 2,698 in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is around 1,699 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 85.7% of overall population growth during recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years beyond 2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022. By 2041, population projections indicate an overall decline of 144 persons in Chifley. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow; notably, the 85 and over age group is projected to increase by 35 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Chifley according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Chifley averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between Financial Year 2020 (FY-20) and Financial Year 2025 (FY-25), 113 dwellings were approved, with one additional approval in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.7 new residents was recorded per dwelling constructed.

However, this figure has increased to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting a rise in demand and decreasing supply. The average construction value for new properties is $547,000, indicating a focus on premium market developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory's regional average, Chifley shows significantly lower building activity, with 68.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of housing options across different price points. Chifley has approximately 365 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with stable or declining population forecasts, potentially reducing future housing pressure and creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Chifley has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include the Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange, Woden Community Services Hub, CIT Woden Campus, and Woden Green. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Chifley demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Chifley's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of June 2025, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) average of 3.4%.

The employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%. As of June 2025, there were 1,565 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% below the ACT's rate. Workforce participation in Chifley is similar to that of the ACT, both being around 69.6%.

The leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. However, education & training is under-represented, with only 7.3% of Chifley's workforce compared to 9.6% in the ACT. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded an employment growth of 1.9% during this period. As of Sep-25, state-level data shows that ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Chifley's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Chifley's median income among taxpayers was $64,273 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $80,270 during the same period. These figures compare to those of Australian Capital Territory's median and average incomes of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $71,202 (median) and $88,923 (average). Census data reveals Chifley's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 90th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.8% of residents (832 people). A substantial proportion of high earners, at 38.1%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, and residents rank within the 86th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chifley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Chifley, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chifley was at 32.3%, similar to the ACT's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 35.2%, while rented dwellings were 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Chifley was $2,383, higher than the ACT average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $450, slightly above the ACT's $440. Nationally, Chifley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chifley features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households making up 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

The educational profile of Chifley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Chifley's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (52.2%) than the national average (30.4%) and the SA4 region (46.8%). The area has a strong educational advantage, led by Bachelor degrees at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational pathways account for 22.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.9% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Chifley's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Chifley has ten active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by two routes that collectively provide 171 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across both routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Chifley is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Chifley demonstrates low prevalence of common health conditions across younger and older age cohorts. The private health cover rate is approximately 60% (1,615 people), compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 70.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 16.0% (430 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, matching the general population's health profile.

Chifley was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chifley, surveyed in June 2016, had a population where 30.9% were born overseas and 26.5% spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion with 40.0%. Hinduism was overrepresented at 8.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 6.6%.

In ancestry, English (23.6%), Australian (20.8%), and Other (14.3%) were the top groups. Notably, Spanish (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), Serbian (0.7% vs 0.4%), and Croatian (0.9% vs 0.8%) were overrepresented.

Chifley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chifley has a median age of 37 years, slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group is strongly represented at 16.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.2% to 16.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, Chifley's demographic is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to increase by 23 people (39%) from 60 to 84. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.